Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackblotch emperor (Lethrinus semicinctus) is a saltwater fish of the family Lethrinidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Description
The blackblotch emperor is an emperor from the Indo-West Pacific, from Sri Lanka to the Marshall and Solomon Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands. The species grows to about 35 cm and has a silver-grey body with a conspicuous dark blotch on the rear flank. It lives on seagrass beds, reef flats and sandy zones near coral to about 35 metres and hunts bottom invertebrates and small fish. Like other emperors it is a protogynous hermaphrodite. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackblotch emperor?
The Blackblotch emperor has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Dark blotch on the rear flank; protogynous hermaphrodite
Where does the Blackblotch emperor live?
The Blackblotch emperor lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Blackblotch emperor get?
The Blackblotch emperor grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 29 cm.
Is the Blackblotch emperor dangerous to humans?
No, the Blackblotch emperor is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Blackblotch emperor edible?
Yes, the Blackblotch emperor is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lethrinus
More from the family Lethrinidae
Want the complete picture on the Blackblotch emperor?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackblotch emperor is one of 12,519 species in the app.